AMERICUS (July 31, 2014)—The University System of Georgia adopted a tobacco-free campus policy in March of this year. The policy goes into effect at all USG institutions on Oct. 1. Georgia Southwestern State University will get ahead of the semester by beginning its tobacco free status on August 1.

“The goal of this policy is to preserve and improve the health and comfort of students, employees, and visitors to our campus,” said Gena Wilson, co-chair of the Tobacco-Free Campus Committee. “GSW students participated in an online survey in the spring, and the feedback was favorable for a tobacco-free campus. Resources are available for faculty, staff, and students who would like help with tobacco cessation, and more will be announced later in the fall.”

The policy applies to all forms of tobacco products: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes, and any smoking devices, such as hookahs and electronic cigarettes. The policy prohibits such use by anyone who enters campus, and violation may be subject to corrective action under the GSW Weathervane student handbook or human resource policies.

“GSW is excited about the USG initiative to encourage our students, faculty, and staff to make healthy life choices,” said Darcy Bragg, co-chair of the Tobacco-Free Campus Committee. “The main focus on our campus will be providing education and resources for smoking and tobacco cessation for anyone who is in need of those kinds of services.”

“Proud to be Tobacco Free” signs will be placed strategically across campus in high-traffic areas. Resources for tobacco cessation and more information are available at www.usg.edu/tobaccofree.